Posted 2006-03-10 2:04 PM (#38613 - in reply to #38599) Subject: RE: Using a Back Girth
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 362
Location: Allegan, Michigan
I recommend it if used properly. You should have it tightened to the point you can get 2 fingers between the girth and the belly, any tighter you will have a buck off, any looser and the horses hind hoof can get caught up inside. I have seen them so loose and the horse got its hoof in there, horse and rider went down.
Posted 2006-03-12 6:39 PM (#38718 - in reply to #38599) Subject: RE: Using a Back Girth
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Posts: 1011
Location: Oregon
It depends on a few things: they way your horse is built, the trails, the way the saddle fits and the riders seat/knowledge. I have been trail riding for 20 years. I have never needed/wished I had one.
Posted 2006-03-13 8:39 PM (#38773 - in reply to #38599) Subject: RE: Using a Back Girth
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Posts: 207
Location: Illinois
I have always used a back girth! I agree, you must fit them properly!! I see people with them loose enough that a small dog could jump through the loop, that's a recipe for disaster on hills. I like them because on them steep hills, it gives my saddle more stability. As for the crupper, I haven't tried them, but they would work well too. Funny thing, Tucker Saddles prides themselves on "trail saddles", but their saddles do not come with a back cinch! I am not bashing tuckers, (I have 2 of them) but come on, the saddle is already expensive enough, INCLUDE THE BACK CINCH!
Posted 2006-03-14 11:23 PM (#38847 - in reply to #38599) Subject: RE: Using a Back Girth
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Posts: 64
Location: West TN
I never used a back girth on a guarter horse, trail riding, and rode them for years, but it certainly would not have hurt anything, if put on correctly, I agree, not too loose. As for tight, we ride mules and we tighten that back cinch as tight as we do the front cinch. helps alot on mules.
Posted 2006-03-16 7:31 AM (#38898 - in reply to #38599) Subject: RE: Using a Back Girth
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Posts: 40
It doesn't hurt when inprinting or training to have horses or mules used to back girts croopers or even britchens, it is a safe feeling when on a new trail that you have never rode that yes I can do that some trails you do it or turn around and go back.
I have been riding mules for about ten years wish I had started trail riding them the first animal I ever rode but that is after thought, I don't care what trail I am on, never rode it before if the leader says it is a rough trail I don't care because I know my mule and my equipment will get me through just fine. That is a good feeling knowing that my saddle isn't going up on there neck and that has happened to me on horses also, I am a fat boy at 300 lbs and ride a 16.2 hand mule I need all the equipment in place even if it is on a flat trail I take no chances.
Posted 2006-03-20 12:43 PM (#39121 - in reply to #38599) Subject: RE: Using a Back Girth
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Posts: 233
Location: Tennessee
We had an issue this weekend where a large branch got caught in the back girth and made for an eventful few minutes until the girth broke and released the branch. I was just sorry I couldn't get my camera out quick enough to get a picture!
Posted 2006-03-20 2:57 PM (#39133 - in reply to #38599) Subject: RE: Using a Back Girth
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Posts: 1283
Location: Home of Wild Turkey Whiskey
I don't consider a horse broke if they can't ride with a back cinch thats tight( no limbs under here), a snaffle bit, and spurs. You all can ride them if they can't do those 3 things. JMO
Posted 2006-04-08 12:05 PM (#40105 - in reply to #38599) Subject: RE: Using a Back Girth
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Posts: 378
Location: Nebraska
Double rigging is great for the arena, for roping that steer and hard jerks. But if you think about it when trail riding, a horse needs to flex and bend more and a tight double rigging acts as a back brace and prevents free movement which in turn can causes rubs and saddle sores
Posted 2006-04-12 8:14 PM (#40343 - in reply to #38599) Subject: RE: Using a Back Girth
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Posts: 2453
Location: Northern Utah
I typically do use a back girth. Just because my saddles have them, not because I need them on the trail. I like the feel of the saddle not rocking forward when a horse is going down a steep grade or if they spook and hump. But I probably could accomplish all that with a crupper. They are really designed to support a roping saddle where you have pressure pulling on a horn.
A lot of long distance riders take them off, it saves on weight. The 12 ounces of leather you don't carry is 12 ounces of water you can carry. Even though the Tuckers don't have a back cinch, they usually do have a Y rigging that helps hold down the back of the saddle.
Posted 2006-04-14 9:58 AM (#40422 - in reply to #40105) Subject: RE: Using a Back Girth
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Posts: 455
Location: Texas
I can hardly believe this is even a question. Unless you have a centerfire girth, a back cinch is absolutely necessary for proper saddle fit. In fact, even more important than a breast collar.
Originally written by hconley on 2006-04-08 12:05 PM
Double rigging is great for the arena, for roping that steer and hard jerks. But if you think about it when trail riding, a horse needs to flex and bend more and a tight double rigging acts as a back brace and prevents free movement which in turn can causes rubs and saddle sores
I respectfully disagree 110%. If your saddle fits properly to the horse, they will have all the movement they need and/or can use with the two girths tightened equally. It will never cause sores. Now, if the saddle fit is poor those rubs and sores will happen anyway. Their location may just change due to a back cinch. With a properly fitting saddle, the horse's shoulders will be free to move and their back can bend/move.
Posted 2006-04-14 1:48 PM (#40432 - in reply to #38599) Subject: RE: Using a Back Girth
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Posts: 20
Location: Michigan
My husband and I have been riding for only about 10 years. He has always ridden with a back cinch and has never had any problems. I have never ridden with a back cinch. Is that why I fall off at least once a year? Probably not entirely. But this year I plan to ride with a back cinch. I need all the help I can get!
Posted 2006-04-14 4:27 PM (#40441 - in reply to #38599) Subject: RE: Using a Back Girth
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Posts: 161
Location: S. Central Illinois
As usual the opinions vary. I was told I needed to start V-rigging my girth because of my horse's robust stature (pc way of saying he is fat!). I have ridden most often than not with a back cinch and was concerned since V-rigging pretty much rules out the back girth. Any ideas appreciated.
Posted 2006-04-26 8:49 AM (#40950 - in reply to #38599) Subject: RE: Using a Back Girth
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Posts: 15
Location: Highlandville, MO
I agree with using a back cinch. IF, not saying one will, a horse bucks and that saddle comes forward, have a nice flight. I use it because I can and I know its an important part of the saddle, not just because of the bucking. If and when you use a back cinch, do not forget the tie that goes from front to back cinch. I also agree, if you know how to use spurs that a horse should be able to be riden with them. Im not saying you have to, just saying they should be trained to work off of them. Oh Ya..JMO
Posted 2006-04-26 11:17 AM (#40957 - in reply to #40441) Subject: RE: Using a Back Girth
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Posts: 303
Location: Grapeland, Texas
I ride my mule with the v rigging to keep the girth from riding to far forward in rough country and gaulding him. I have a friend that does this also and uses a back girth too. We both use britching in the hills. Also have other friends that use the back cinch and have it as tight as the front and don't have any back problems. Guess you just have to experiment to see what works best for you and your animal.
Posted 2006-04-29 4:29 PM (#41067 - in reply to #38599) Subject: RE: Using a Back Girth
Regular
Posts: 50
Location: Delta Junction, Alaska
I may have missed it in the other posts but dont forget to have the conector strap to the front girth. All kinds of things can happen when they slip back.
Posted 2006-04-30 10:26 AM (#41092 - in reply to #38599) Subject: RE: Using a Back Girth
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Posts: 309
Location: MO
I use V-rigging on my trail saddle. It will give the same effect as a back girth if done properly. Make sure your saddle had D rings that are mounted in the tree. Not just a hole cut into the skirt. Holes cut into the skirt will just rip out.
Posted 2006-05-31 4:20 PM (#42461 - in reply to #38773) Subject: RE: Using a Back Girth
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Posts: 479
Location: central sierra nevada foothills
Funny thing, Tucker Saddles prides themselves on "trail saddles", but their saddles do not come with a back cinch! I am not bashing tuckers, (I have 2 of them) but come on, the saddle is already expensive enough, INCLUDE THE BACK CINCH!
Happy trails
That's weird because I got mine directly from the co. 12 years ago, when you could order straight from them, and it came with the back cinch, it wasn't added to it.
Posted 2006-05-31 8:49 PM (#42466 - in reply to #38599) Subject: RE: Using a Back Girth
Veteran
Posts: 207
Location: Illinois
I got ours at Pards western store in Milan Illinois, and they told me that it was how they came (without it). I also looked at Longhorn saddlery in Dubuqe Iowa, same story, back cinch is extra! Wish you could still order factory direct!